Hyperin attenuates cerulein-induced acute pancreatitis by regulating inflammation and oxidative stress

Abstract

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a serious inflammatory condition of the pancreas often requiring hospitalisation and characterised by abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. Hyperin (HP), a natural flavonoid, possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory characteristics. However, the effect of HP on AP remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the protective effects of HP in a cerulein-induced AP model in rats, focusing on histopathological damage, inflammatory cytokines, and oxidative stress markers. All rats were randomly assigned into control (n = 8), AP (n = 8), and AP + HP (50 mg/kg) groups (n = 8). We created an AP rat model by intraperitoneal cerulein injections. We evaluated histopathologically pancreatic tissues using hematoxylin–eosin staining. NF-κB and TNF-α expressions were analysed using immunohistochemical method. Oxidative stress markers such as MDA, SOD, CAT, GPx as well as serum amylase and lipase levels were assessed using biochemical methods. IL-6 and IL-10 levels were measured using ELISA. HP treatment significantly reduced histological damage scores, including oedema, necrosis, and vacuolisation. Moreover, expression levels of NF-κB and TNF-α were markedly decreased in the AP + HP group. HP restored SOD activity and reduced MDA levels, indicating attenuated oxidative stress. HP decreased serum IL-6 and increased IL-10 levels, along with significant reductions in amylase and lipase. HP exerts both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects in cerulein-induced AP, primarily through NF-κB and TNF-α inhibition and SOD activation. These findings suggest that HP may be a promising natural compound for the adjunctive treatment of AP.